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Traffic cameras' future uncertain as bill passes

Legislation would regulate statewide use of traffic-monitoring devices

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Updated: 12:44 PM EST Dec 11, 2014

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Traffic cameras' future uncertain as bill passes

Legislation would regulate statewide use of traffic-monitoring devices

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Updated: 12:44 PM EST Dec 11, 2014

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) —

A law enforcement officer would have to be present for tickets to be issued from traffic cameras under an Ohio bill that passed the House on Wednesday, a measure that opponents said is tantamount to a ban.

The legislation would regulate the statewide use of the traffic-monitoring devices, but critics said many municipalities would have to stop using them because the requirement would make it too costly to continue.

The proposal is among legislation state lawmakers hope to finish before adjourning this month.

The House passed the measure Wednesday evening on a 58-31 vote after one representative unsuccessfully sought to insert a tougher statewide texting ban into the bill. The Senate, which passed an earlier version, must agree to House changes before the measure could go to the governor for his expected signature.

After surging in use, traffic cameras have faced increasing pushback, including legal challenges to their constitutionality and criticism that they're nothing more than moneymakers for cities. Voters in Cleveland and one of its suburbs were the latest to ban the devices in November.

Camera critics argue that the process for appealing the tickets from cameras violates the constitutional right of due process because cases are heard by someone from the city administration and not a court as the law requires.

Rep. Dale Mallory, a Cincinnati Democrat, said the traffic cameras appear with little warning in some communities. "They call it a safety initiative when no one even asks for them," he told his colleagues.

Some police departments have expressed opposition to the legislation, saying the cameras cause drivers to behave more responsibly and promote traffic safety.

Rep. Kevin Boyce, a Columbus Democrat, urged his colleagues to think of motorists helped by the devices. "Red light cameras, while a burden to some, are lifesaving to others," Boyce said.

The Ohio Supreme Court is expected to rule on a case that challenged whether the city of Toledo's camera system usurps judicial authority and violates people's due process rights.